Property Negotiator

About us

We move as one team. We’re champions of fresh thinking, and aren’t afraid of a challenge. We listen to our people – a good idea can come from anywhere, or anyone. So here you’ll have a voice: one that changes lives for the better. And together, we’ll realise the remarkable every day.

About the job

Do you have excellent communication skills and the ability to use Microsoft Office based IT packages? If yes, we want to hear from you!

We have an exciting opportunity within our Housing team where you will be responsible for pitching and securing good quality properties of a suitable type, size and location across all private sector initiatives (including Private Sector Leasing (PSL); Rent Deposit Scheme (RIS); Nightly Rate (NR); Modular Homes; Hostels Decants; homeless prevention and accommodation on behalf of other Council departments to meet individual and business targets, raising early alerts on any procurement risks.

In this vital role, you will support the TA Commissioning Manager (TACM) in delivering the Temporary Accommodation Procurement Strategy. Your duties will include procuring, developing and maintaining a pipeline of good quality properties of a suitable type, size and location for Assured Shorthold Tenancy, Private Sector Leasing, Nightly Rate, Rent Deposit Scheme, decants, for homeless prevention, Children and Adult Services, Key Workers and any other client groups to meet individual procurement and business targets and will produce a surplus for the business.

About you

This is a public facing role so you will need to show off your fluency in speaking and writing English.

Our ideal candidate must have the ability to communicate effectively, verbally and in writing, with all levels including staff members, parliamentarians, civil servants, business representatives and members of the public. In addition, you will need to be able to negotiate effectively with the private sector and present a financially viable case to managers and heads of service.

We are looking for someone who is polite and able to deal tactfully with a wide range of people, both in and outside the organisation. This role requires the property negotiator to be able to drive and visit properties in Luton and surrounding villages.

We do ask that you have an NVQ level 3 in a relevant vocational or equivalent experience or training and knowledge of Part 6 & 7 Housing Act 1996 and 2002 Homelessness Act.

So if you have excellent communication skills, and the ability to work on your own with minimal guidance, we look forward to receiving your application.

Application process

Because of the nature of this job, it will be necessary for the appropriate level of criminal record disclosure to be undertaken. Therefore, it is essential in making your application you disclose whether you have any pending charges, convictions, bind-overs or cautions and, if so, for which offences. This post will be exempt from the provisions of Section 4 (2) of the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exemptions) (Amendments) Order 1986. Therefore, applicants are not entitled to withhold information about convictions which for other purposes are ‘spent’ under the provision of the Act, and, in the event of the employment being taken up; any failure to disclose such convictions will result in dismissal or disciplinary action by the Authority. The fact that a pending charge, conviction, bind-over or caution has been recorded against you will not necessarily debar you from consideration for this appointment.

Additional information

Luton Borough Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults and expects all staff to share this commitment.

Applicants must be willing to undergo child and/or vulnerable adults protection screening appropriate to the post, including checks with past employers and the Disclosure & Barring Service (DBS).

We offer a range of excellent staff benefits which include:

- flexible working arrangements - we welcome requests for flexible working arrangements including part-time hours and alternative working patterns- 24/7 independent Employee Assistance Programme (EAP)- generous holiday entitlement - local government pension with generous employer contribution - excellent support and development - relocation package available up to £8,500 (subject to meeting eligibility criteria) - half price season ticket on Thameslink train line - discounted shopping including gym membership and Vauxhall cars- Luton Council is proud to offer a Housing Brokerage Service for Key Workers to help and support eligible employees in finding suitable housing